Abdulmagied Ahmed Seddiqi, co-owner of Seddiqi Holding and a leading figure in the United Arab Emirates’ luxury watch and retail sector, has died. His passing marks the loss of a respected business leader who helped shape Dubai’s rise as a global hub for high-end timepieces.
The news was shared by his brother, Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, chairman of Seddiqi Holding, in a family statement expressing deep sorrow and reflecting on Abdulmagied’s warmth, generosity, and leadership.
Abdulmagied was part of a family whose business roots in luxury retail stretch back more than seven decades. The company traces its origins to 1950, when his grandfather, Ahmed Qassim Seddiqi, opened a watch trading operation in Dubai’s Bur Dubai souk, helping introduce Swiss timepieces to the Gulf market.
Over the decades, that modest shop evolved into Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, one of the Middle East’s most prominent luxury watch and jewellery retailers. Under Abdulmagied’s guidance, the company expanded its portfolio to include over 80 prestigious international brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. He helped transform Dubai from a regional market into a hub for collectors and enthusiasts, forging strong relationships with both clients and watchmakers.
In 2007, Seddiqi Holding was established to consolidate the family’s growing portfolio, which today includes retail, after-sales services, fashion ventures, and property interests.
Beyond expanding the business, Abdulmagied played a key role in cultivating watch appreciation and collecting culture in the region. The family and its companies were closely involved in initiatives such as Dubai Watch Week, which brings together journalists, watchmakers, and collectors from around the world to celebrate horology.
Colleagues remember him not only for his commercial acumen but for his personal qualities. He was widely regarded as a leader of integrity and vision, someone who valued mentorship and education as much as business growth.
Abdulmagied is survived by his sons, including Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CEO of Ahmed Seddiqi, and his brother Abdul Hamied. Members of the third and fourth generations of the family continue to guide Seddiqi Holding, ensuring the business he helped expand remains influential in the UAE and beyond.
His death marks the passing of a true visionary whose leadership extended beyond commerce. In Dubai, where luxury retail has grown into a global showcase, his influence remains visible in the boutiques, collector communities, and cultural presence that bear the Seddiqi name.
